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The Size and Costs of Bribes in Malaysia: An Analysis Based on Convicted Bribe Givers

Author

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  • Christine Siew-Pyng Chong

    (Tunku Abdul Rahman University College)

  • Suresh Narayanan

    (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

Abstract

A bribe-giving function was tested for Malaysia using data on 449 convicted bribe givers. Both the size of bribes and the probability of paying a large bribe were found to be positively and significantly associated with the size of fines and length of imprisonment avoided through bribery. Both the size of bribes and the probability of paying a large bribe increased with fines for bribery, however, but decreased with length of imprisonment. Our findings suggest that a reduction in human involvement in apprehending bribe givers, stricter enforcement, higher conviction rates, and more severe punishments could discourage bribes.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine Siew-Pyng Chong & Suresh Narayanan, 2017. "The Size and Costs of Bribes in Malaysia: An Analysis Based on Convicted Bribe Givers," Asian Economic Papers, MIT Press, vol. 16(1), pages 66-84, Winter/Sp.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:asiaec:v:16:y:2017:i:1:p:66-84
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F33 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Monetary Arrangements and Institutions
    • F36 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Financial Aspects of Economic Integration
    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • F65 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Finance
    • G00 - Financial Economics - - General - - - General

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